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be taken seriously and become
a safety practice when operating
these vehicles, even though it is not
the law on Alberta farms. It could
save your life or the life of a family
member, friend or farm hand.
Consider putting into practice the
six main points that could mitigate
mishaps when using ATVs:
1. Review and make yourself aware
of all safe operating procedures
of the ATV you intend to operate,
including limitations of the unit. Get
trained by taking a safety course or
by an experienced operator.
2. Ensure the ATV is properly
maintained, and all items including
brakes, running boards, muffler,
headlights, taillights, switches and
plates are in good condition.
3. Know the terrain prior to
operating the ATV, including site
hazards and conditions, signage,
and weather conditions. Make
a plan (and relay that plan) to a
second party if possible, including
expectations of time frames.
4. Wear all the right safety gear,
including a certified helmet.
5. Drive sober. The use of alcohol
and/or drugs is strictly prohibited
prior to and during operation of
an ATV (or any motor vehicle).
6. Make yourself aware of the
municipal bylaws that govern
rules and regulations within the
Municipal District or County in
which you’re operating. For more
information, visit mdlsr.ca/Bylaws.
Why do I Need a Permit
for my Project?
Are you looking at the possibility
of maybe adding a shed to your
property, digging a dugout,
constructing a fence, widening
an approach, hauling in soil and
landscaping or building a garage?
As you plan your project, you
need to start as early as possible
for your project to be completed
on time in a safe and productive
manner. Depending on where
your property is located, you may
require a permit, several permits, or
approvals to carry out your project.
In some cases, a permit may not be
required, but you need to do your
due diligence. To protect yourself
from any future issues that may
arise, contact the MD’s Planning and
Development Department or view
the information provided in the
Planning section of the municipal
website to assist you through the
process. For those who wonder why
these permits are required, they
provide the following:
• Protects you, the landowner, from
unsafe construction procedures
during and after the construction.
• Provides a consistent and
equitable process to mitigate any
and all effects of construction on
neighboring landowners, both
private and public.
• Ensures that all construction
adheres to all pertinent federal,
provincial and municipal
legislation and/or regulations.
For example, building and safety
code permits provide proof that
all safety code procedures were
followed. A development permit
ensures all other conditions, such
as property and environmental
setbacks and height restrictions,
were followed.
• Enables the landowner to obtain
property/building Insurance with
fewer requirements for future
inspections or upgrades.
• Becomes a landowner asset at
the time of resale of the property.
• Ensures compliance of
construction that meets all
current development and safety
code regulations, and minimizes
the cost of any code compliance
upgrade costs at the time of sale.
The time frame for obtaining
specific permits varies:
Development Permit approvals
take 1 to 6 weeks, Building Permits
and Safety Code Permits take 1
to 2 weeks, Approach Approvals
take 1 to 3 weeks, Underground
Disturbance Inspections (First Call)
can take 3 to 10 days.
How do I get these permits?
Development Permit and
Approach Approval Applications